BERG

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944 discussions

by Alexander Weiss

Hi everybody, I would like to clarify matters for the BERG group regarding the lecture series and to explain my motivation, particularly as I apparently did a poor job of doing so in the initial email. Let me first say that I am not trying to change anybody's mind and people are, of course, free to hold their own views. Moreover, If anybody still does not wish to attend, I understand completely. The lecture series is dedicated to the "memory" and not the man and, by dedication, I do not mean veneration, celebration, or otherwise. The series is named as it is because Harlow's name is associated with two things. The first is research on attachment, learning, and primate behavior. The second is the fact that the controversial nature of his research led to massively increased awareness regarding ethical and welfare considerations in animal research. As such, every other year the lectures will given by experts in the ethics of animal research and/or animal welfare from fields such as philosophy. Moreover, I would like to stress that the research talks will not include invasive studies. I understand that Harlow's name and work evokes passion and anger among many people. However, I had hoped that these lectures would be a constructive way to move forward, both by highlighting the outstanding research in these topics that can be done ethically and without harming or interfering with the subjects and in bringing up ethical issues that need to be considered when studying nonhuman primates or other animals. I hope that I have been able to better explain myself. I also would like to ask for help in two matters. First, any suggestions for a subtitle for the lecture series that would better explain what they are about would be hugely appreciated. Second, recommendations for suitable speakers, particularly for the animal ethics/welfare talks, would be great, too. So far I have gotten some excellent suggestions for the latter, but more cannot hurt. Anyway, I am sorry to be so long-winded and appreciate the time you have taken to read this. If anybody wishes to discuss this with me further, please feel free to contact me directly. Sincerely, Alex -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

13 years, 1 month

Harry Harlow

by Robin Campbell

While of course I agree with Liz's opinions regarding Harlow's research, it is a serious historical error to judge the behaviour of a scientist of 50-odd years ago by the standards of today. Today, homosexuals may marry and even contrive to have children: 50-odd years ago their behaviour was punishable by custodial sentence. In both cases, what was done then was acceptable in 'the court of public opinion' of the time, and is unacceptable in that court today. One would have to be brave (and foolish) to say that everything which is acceptable today in animal science will be acceptable in 50-odd years time, or that everything which is now unacceptable will always be so. Robin Robin N Campbell Psychology, Stirling r.n.campbell(a)stir.ac.uk -- The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

13 years, 1 month

Harry Harlow Lecture

by Liz Williamson

Dear BERGers, I was astonished and dismayed to learn that someone in our group would dedicate anything to Harry Harlow, and I will not be attending these lectures. To quote Robert Sapolsky in Scientific American: “These [Harlow’s] were brutal studies, animals shattered by isolation. They made Harlow a pariah in many circles. Useful science was produced (though not nearly enough to justify the extent of what was done, in my opinion). Animals suffered unspeakably. “He [Harlow] did ethically troubling work without seeming ethically troubled. He responded to feminist and animal-rights critiques with caustic hostility, dinosaurish misogyny and flaunted indifference to his animals. His writing was savage and crude: I recall being moved to tears and outrage by those papers as a student. (An example: females who were socially isolated as infants were inept at mating. How to get them pregnant, to study their subsequent maternal behavior? Harlow wrote, proudly, of his 'rape rack.')” Sincerely, Liz Williamson ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Christine Caldwell <c.a.caldwell(a)stir.ac.uk<x-msg://5/c.a.caldwell@stir.ac.uk>> Date: 27 October 2011 08:28 Subject: [BERG] FW: Harry Harlow Lecture To: berg Mailing List <berg(a)lists.stir.ac.uk<x-msg://5/berg@lists.stir.ac.uk>> Hi all, Please see the email below from Alex Weiss about a lecture being held in Edinburgh on Monday. Christine. Hi everybody, As part of the seminar series we have instituted a series of lectures dedicated to the memory of Harry Harlow. Each seminar in this series will be held on the Monday closest to his birthday (31 October) every year. Harry Harlow was most famous for his "mother love" experiments which were inspired by the work of John Bowlby and others. He found that the need for 'contact comfort' was key to the development of rhesus macaques and likely humans. His work was not without controversy, but he contributed hugely to research on attachment, animal behavior, learning, and several other areas throughout his lifetime. These lectures will explore important themes from this work, and will also include lectures on the ethics of animal research and animal welfare. The seminar will take place at the 7 George Square, The University of Edinburgh at 5:15 and will be followed by a wine reception. The speaker will be Bonaventura Majolo of Lincoln University. The title of the talk is "Managing social relationships in wild macaques" and should be of interest to those studying evolutionary psychology, social psychology, and animal behavior. Abstract: Nonhuman primates seem capable of establishing and maintaining long- lasting social relationship with their group companions that resemble human friendships. Recent studies on various primate species indicate that such friendly relationships can be beneficial to individual fitness: animals having stronger social bonds with their group companions have higher reproductive success. Here I will discuss two aspects of social relationships namely, the role of reciprocity and conflict resolution. Reciprocity is considered a key feature of high quality social relationships in both humans and other species. However, the reciprocal exchange of altruistic acts often occurrs at such low rates so as to undermine its importance for friendship. Moreover, the asymmetric nature of social relationships is frequently underestimated. With respect to conflict resolution, I will discuss the importance of relationship quality for the occurrence of reconciliation and how the post-conflict period may represent an excellent opportunity to study the behavioural consequences of social uncertainty. Should anybody be interested in attending dinner with the speaker, please contact me as soon as possible. Best, Alex -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. -- The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

13 years, 1 month

Becky Leonardi's talk on Wednesday

by Hannah Buchanan-Smith

Dear BERGers We have Becky Leonardi speaking on Wednesday, describing her PhD programme: Paws for Progress - A dog training rehabilitation programme Becky has asked me to emphasise that there are no results as yet, but I know it will be an interesting session so please come along. 5.30pm - 3A94 as usual. See you then, Hannah If you wish to subscribe (or unsubscribe) to the BERG mailing list please follow instructions here: http://lists.stir.ac.uk/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/berg Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith Professor, Behaviour and Evolution Research Group Psychology, School of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland Tel: 01786 467674 Fax: 01786 467641 E-mail: h.m.buchanan-smith(a)stir.ac.uk<mailto:h.m.buchanan-smith@stir.ac.uk> http://www.psychology.stir.ac.uk/staff/staff-profiles/academic-staff/hannah… ________________________________ The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159. -- The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

13 years, 1 month

Origins of Us (BBC2 on Monday, 31 Oct @ 9pm)

by Betsy Herrelko

Hi folks, If you have a chance, check out the next episode of *Origins of Us on BBC2 (Monday, 31 October @ 9pm) *which examines evolution of the brain. This episode includes a segment on social politics highlighting the dynamics within Edinburgh Zoo's recently formed group of 21 chimpanzees as I chat briefly with Dr Alice Roberts about Machiavellian intelligence. *Brains* Episode: 3 of 3 Duration: 1 hour In the final episode Dr Alice Roberts explores how our species, homo sapiens, developed our large brain; and asks why we are the only one of our kind left on the planet today? The evolution of the human mind is one of the greatest mysteries. We are special because of our extraordinary brain, and to understand why we think and act the way we do, we need to look at where and why our brains evolved. The Rift Valley in Kenya is thought to be the crucible of human evolution, and here Alice examines the fossils in our family tree which reveal our brains have more than quadrupled in size since our ancestors split from chimpanzees. Drawing on research on social politics in chimpanzees, the cognitive development of children and the tools that have been found littered across the Rift Valley, Alice explores how and why our ancestors brains became so big. It's thought their need to understand each other and share knowledge has fundamentally shaped the brains we live with today. But our big brains came at a cost. Alice visits a maternity hospital to explore how our difficulties in giving birth are a result of our large brained babies, and travels to meet the women of the Hadza tribe to explore how looking after our large-brained children has shaped the life histories of all of us. Research suggests old age isn't a consequence of modern medicine, but an evolutionary adaptation to allow grandmothers to help raise their grandchildren. Successive species of increasingly large brained humans migrated around the world - from Homo erectus to heidelbergensis, the Neanderthals to us. It's always been assumed the reason that Homo sapiens succeeded where others failed is to do with our large brains. But comparing skulls it's clear Neanderthals had just as big a brain as us. So why is there only us left? Alice goes to meet Svante Paabo, decoding the Neanderthal and human genome, and Clive Finlayson, who is unearthing the Neanderthals final settlement, to try to find out... http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013gmh1 Cheers, Betsy Elizabeth (Betsy) Herrelko Postgraduate Student, University of Stirling Honorary Research Associate, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland www.chimpcam.com

13 years, 1 month

FW: Harry Harlow Lecture

by Christine Caldwell

Hi all, Please see the email below from Alex Weiss about a lecture being held in Edinburgh on Monday. Christine. Hi everybody, As part of the seminar series we have instituted a series of lectures dedicated to the memory of Harry Harlow. Each seminar in this series will be held on the Monday closest to his birthday (31 October) every year. Harry Harlow was most famous for his "mother love" experiments which were inspired by the work of John Bowlby and others. He found that the need for 'contact comfort' was key to the development of rhesus macaques and likely humans. His work was not without controversy, but he contributed hugely to research on attachment, animal behavior, learning, and several other areas throughout his lifetime. These lectures will explore important themes from this work, and will also include lectures on the ethics of animal research and animal welfare. The seminar will take place at the 7 George Square, The University of Edinburgh at 5:15 and will be followed by a wine reception. The speaker will be Bonaventura Majolo of Lincoln University. The title of the talk is "Managing social relationships in wild macaques" and should be of interest to those studying evolutionary psychology, social psychology, and animal behavior. Abstract: Nonhuman primates seem capable of establishing and maintaining long- lasting social relationship with their group companions that resemble human friendships. Recent studies on various primate species indicate that such friendly relationships can be beneficial to individual fitness: animals having stronger social bonds with their group companions have higher reproductive success. Here I will discuss two aspects of social relationships namely, the role of reciprocity and conflict resolution. Reciprocity is considered a key feature of high quality social relationships in both humans and other species. However, the reciprocal exchange of altruistic acts often occurrs at such low rates so as to undermine its importance for friendship. Moreover, the asymmetric nature of social relationships is frequently underestimated. With respect to conflict resolution, I will discuss the importance of relationship quality for the occurrence of reconciliation and how the post-conflict period may represent an excellent opportunity to study the behavioural consequences of social uncertainty. Should anybody be interested in attending dinner with the speaker, please contact me as soon as possible. Best, Alex -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. -- The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

13 years, 1 month

FW: [sfeca] Assistant Teamleader Primate Department

by Hannah Buchanan-Smith

Jim sent this on – as he thought this position might interest some graduating students, BERG members etc. Assistant Teamleader Primate Department Hiring Organization: Stichting AAP Position Description: At Foundation AAP we give shape to our ideal in a professional manner: to improve the welfare of abused or neglected exotic apes and small to medium-sized mammals from all over Europe. For one thing we do this by providing shelter for animals from the illegal trade, circuses, animal testing laboratories or simply private owners. For most animals we find suitable new homes in reserves, zoos or in our own permanent shelter in the south of Spain. AAP also works to prevent welfare issues by actively exercising influence through both Dutch and European policy-makers and decision-makers in this area, and working work with domestic and foreign professional parties on an active and strategic level. Furthermore, AAP is an internationally authoritative knowledge centre. There are about 70 people on our pay roll and we have an equal number of volunteers, established on a spacious and modern location in the middle of the green area near Almere. Nowhere else would you be able to see the result of your efforts so directly: each animal taken to our grounds and into our care, recuperates. You will be part of a tight, professional group of colleagues: from caretaker to fundraiser, all with the same ideal purpose. Qualifications/Experience: Your role In this remarkably versatile and fascinating position you coordinate and execute the animal care process in the Primate Department. You conduct this work under the leadership and responsibility of the team leader of this department. Practically your activities will consist of facilitating your team, in order to optimize daily affairs in the department. Now and then you will be cooperative / executive (tending to, cleaning, feeding, observing and help forming primate groups). The team exist of 10 (partially english speaking) experienced animal care takers, trainees and volunteers. Additionally you will have some administrative tasks. Salary/funding: Our offer We offer a job with much individual responsibility in an open international, professional organisation in a natural environment where animals and humans are what it’s all about. Your initial salary varies between € 1.403 and € 1.552 (gross based on 32 hours), and anual growth is possible. Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging): Free lunch Term of Appointment: Carrying out a practical assignment is part of the application procedure. Application Deadline: 7 november 2011 Comments: You can call Huub Vlemmix, team leader primates, for more info: (036)5238755. Send your application letter and CV before November 7th 2011 mentioning number 2011-18-ORATLPR, preferably by e-mail to working.at(a)aap.nl<mailto:working.at@aap.nl> or by mail to Stichting AAP, Kemphaanpad 1, P.O. Box 50313, 1305 AH Almere, The Netherlands, attn. Elly Koppers, Coordinator Personnel Department. Contact Information: Elly Koppers Kemphaanpad 1 Almere 1305 AH Netherlands Telephone Number: 0031 36 5238787 Website: http://www.aap.nl E-mail Address: elly.koppers(a)aap.nl<mailto:elly.koppers@aap.nl> ------ End of Forwarded Message -- The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

13 years, 2 months

Animal welfare student scholarship meeting, 7th December University of Cambridge, and BERG

by Hannah Buchanan-Smith

Please find attached details of the UFAW animal welfare student scholarship meeting, with many interesting talks. This is a free meeting, but it is important you let Steve know if you plan to go to it (see message below). It's a packed week: On Wednesday we have Dr Jim Anderson with a presentation entitled: Monkeys judge reciprocity between humans 5.30pm - in 3A94, Cottrell Building. On Thursday we have Dr Susanne Schultz (Oxford University) presenting on: Investigating evolutionary trends in brain size and architecture (4pm, 3A94) Later on Thursday Prof Andy Whiten (St Andrews University) is talking at Edinburgh Zoo (7.30pm) in the Living Links to Human Health, Mind, and Medicine lecture series 20th October 2011 - "Culturally transmitted information, nutrition and health in the great apes" by Professor Andrew Whiten, University of St Andrews. Professor Whiten is Scientific Director of the Living Links Centre and an international authority on social learning and culture in human and non-human primates. This talk will also give an overview of what the talk series is about. We have no BERG talks the following week as it is our mid semester break, but note: 27th October 2011 - "Putting our past into the present: the emerging field of evolutionary medicine" by Professor Gillian Bentley, Durham University. Professor Bentley is a leader in this field in the UK. Her theme is that many sources of our illness and health may be better understood using an evolutionary perspective, with the implications this yet to be fully recognised and exploited by modern medicine. If you are planning to go please let us know at BERG in case a car share is possible. See here for how to get your ticket (£3). http://rzss.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/living-links-to-human-health-mind-and-… Hannah If you wish to subscribe (or unsubscribe) to the BERG mailing list please follow instructions here: http://lists.stir.ac.uk/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/berg From: Stephen Wickens [mailto:wickens@ufaw.org.uk] Sent: 14 October 2011 09:45 Subject: UFAW link and animal welfare student scholarship meeting, 7th December University of Cambridge 2012 Dear UFAW link, Please find attached the programme for our forthcoming UFAW animal welfare student scholarship meeting, which this year is very kindly being hosted by Dr David Williams at the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge. I would be grateful if you could make your colleagues and students aware of it. As usual, this meeting will feature talks from those students who were awarded UFAW animal welfare student scholarships in 2011 and a couple of guest speakers, Dr Louise Buckley (Harper Adams) on broiler breeders and assessing their hunger and Rowena Packer (RVC) on breathing problems in brachycephalic breeds of dog. These meetings are free and open to all who wish to attend, with lunch and refreshments provided. If you or any of your students are thinking of attending however I would be grateful if they could let me know in advance so that I can ensure sufficient catering is laid on. Hope to see some of you at the meeting. Thank you for your support of UFAW and the promotion of animal welfare science. Regards, Steve Stephen Wickens, PhD Development Officer Universities Federation for Animal Welfare The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AN, UK Email: wickens(a)ufaw.org.uk<mailto:wickens@ufaw.org.uk> Direct tel: +(0)1276 500880 Office: +(0)1582 831818 (tel), 831414 (fax) Registered Charity No 207996 (Registered in England) and Company Limited by Guarantee No 579991 The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is an independent registered UK charity that works to develop and promote improvements in the welfare of all animals through scientific and educational activity worldwide. Science in the service of animal welfare -- The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

13 years, 2 months

Wednesday's BERG

by Hannah Buchanan-Smith

Dear all We have Andrew Bagnall, who teaches Higher Biology at St Thomas school in Edinburgh, is coming on Wednesday to give a slide show and tell us about his recent adventures on A visit to Seram Island, Indonesia 5.30pm - but change of usual venue to room 2A73 Andrew has asked me to emphasise the presentation is lacking in data, but I am confident it will be packed with interest! See you then, Hannah If you wish to subscribe (or unsubscribe) to the BERG mailing list please follow instructions here: http://lists.stir.ac.uk/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/berg Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith Professor, Behaviour and Evolution Research Group Psychology, School of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland Tel: 01786 467674 Fax: 01786 467641 E-mail: h.m.buchanan-smith(a)stir.ac.uk<mailto:h.m.buchanan-smith@stir.ac.uk> http://www.psychology.stir.ac.uk/staff/staff-profiles/academic-staff/hannah… -- The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

13 years, 2 months

First meeting on Wednesday - 5.30pm

by Hannah Buchanan-Smith

Dear all I am looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday at our first BERG meeting -5.30 pm in the Psychology Common Room (3A94, Cottrell Building). This will be introductions, social catch up and a show of photos by Peter Hancock from his trip to Shetland. We shall also use this opportunity to take new photos of the group for the BERG website! We shall also make an effort to finalise the programme which is already looking excellent - thanks to all those who have signed up. We still have slots free (note that Bethan may move her presentation to December due to popular demand), and are looking for volunteers. Remember that you don't need a polished talk - you can offer to lead a discussion on a journal paper, or present research ideas etc. Date Person Responsible Speaker and Topic 21 September Hannah Introductions - drinks, nibbles, catch up Peter Hancock will show photos from Shetland 28th September Hannah Roman Wittig (presenting) & Cathy Crockford (University of St Andrews) - Social bonds among chimpanzees - physiological evidence 5 October 2A73 Hannah Andrew Bagnall (Edinburgh) - A visit to Seram Island, Indonesia Change of location - 2A73 12 October (HBS away) 19 October Jim Jim Anderson - Monkeys judge reciprocity between humans 26 October MID-SEMESTER 2 November 9 November (HBS away) Rob Rob Burriss - Mate-preference versus mate-choice in humans 16 November Hannah Emily Messer (St Andrews) - Squirrel monkey social learning 23 November Louise Louise Lock - Chimpanzees' preferred nesting materials 30 November Hannah Bethan Morgan - Chimpanzee conservation 7 December 14 December Hope to see you on Wednesday, Hannah Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith Professor, Behaviour and Evolution Research Group Psychology, School of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland Tel: 01786 467674 Fax: 01786 467641 E-mail: h.m.buchanan-smith(a)stir.ac.uk<mailto:h.m.buchanan-smith@stir.ac.uk> http://www.psychology.stir.ac.uk/staff/staff-profiles/academic-staff/hannah… -- The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year 2009/2010 The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

13 years, 3 months

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